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« Acts 11:19-26 | Main | March 17, 2006 »
It is appropriate to understand John Wesley's life and teachings as the passionate pursuit of holiness or Christian perfection. While Wesley's teachings changed in small, and some not-so-small ways, the end of the Christian life as "holiness and happiness" remained constant. We can see this in the very early sermon, written in 1733, five years before Wesley felt "his heart strangely warmed." This sermon, "The Circumcision of the Heart," shows clearly Wesley's anchorage in the teachings of St. Augustine: God is to be enjoyed, as humans true end; all other things are to used for the sake of the love of God. Thus, holiness, Chrsitian perfection, the circumcision of the heart, is found in the fulfillment of the law: the love of God and in God, the love of neighbor.
I want to share the next two days with quotes from this very early sermon. The remind us of the true end of our lives in God within this Lenten season.
I. 1. I am first to inquire wherein that circumcision of the heart consists, which will receive the praise of God. In general we may observe, it is the habitual disposition of the soul which, in the sacred writings, is termed holiness; and which directly implies the being cleansed from sin, 'from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit'; and by consequence, the being endued with those virtues which were also in Christ Jesus; the being so 'renewed in the spirit of our mind,' as to be 'perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.'
2. To be more particular: circumcision of heart implies humility, faith, hope, and charity. . . .
11. Yet you lack one thing, whosoever you are, that to a deep humility and a steadfast faith, have joined a lively hope and thereby in a good measure cleansed your heart from its inbred pollution. If you will be perfect, add to all these, charity; add love, and you have the circumcision of the heart. 'Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment.' Very excellent things are spoken of love; it is the essence, the spirit, of all virtue. It is not only the first and great command, but it is all the commandments in one. 'Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable' or honorable; 'if there by any virtue, if there be any praise,' they are all comprised in this one world -- love. In this is perfection and glory and happiness. The royal law of heaven and earth is this, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'"
Posted by johnwright at March 16, 2006 4:00 AM
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